DPR Reminds Ministry Of Religion Not To Be Reactive In Facing The Al Zaytun Polemic And Panji Gumilang

The head of the Al Zaytun Panji Gumilang Islamic Boarding School arrived at Gedung Sate Bandung to undergo an examination on Friday, June 23, 2023. (ANTARA- Raisan Al Farisi)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission III of the DPR Habiburokhman reminded the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) to use a communicative and dialogical approach in investigating the polemic of Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School (Ponpes) activities in Indramayu, West Java.

"Al Zaytun has a part in the Ministry of Religion regarding heretical sects and so on, please prioritize an approach that is currently a dialogistic communicative approach," said Habiburokhman at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Monday, June 26, which was confiscated by Antara.

On the other hand, he reminded the public to avoid reactive attitudes and the use of violent methods regarding the polemic.

"We don't need to play violence. Asked, for example, there are several things about shaf, praying, various things, about men and women what is the basis, if I don't understand it too, the experts are in the Ministry of Religion. Maybe they can also involve MUI later," he said.

According to him, the Ministry of Religion needs to give advance warnings to Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School regarding alleged activities that are deemed not in accordance with Islamic teachings. If there is no change after being given a warning, then a legal process is carried out as a last resort.

"Yes, that was the beginning from there (Kemenag) first. The mechanism for irregularities must be reminded. If you have been reminded, then law enforcement. The last effort of criminal law is if it can be resolved by all dialogue," he said.

He also reminded the public not to accuse Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School of being affiliated with the Islamic State of Indonesia (NII) without any evidence.

"The accusation can't be assumptive, there must be evidence. NII was, now is there clearly wants to establish an Islamic State of Indonesia? Yes, right? I don't see that far," said Habiburokhman.

Previously, Saturday, June 24, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said that there would be three actions in handling the polemic of Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School activities.

First, the handling of alleged criminal acts at the Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School will be handed over to the police. The second is the provision of administrative sanctions to Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding Schools which have educational institutions in stages up to the university level.

Meanwhile, the third action that will be taken is to maintain order and security during the handling of the Al Zaytun polemic. In this case, the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs will continue to coordinate with the West Java Provincial Government.

Ponpes Al Zaytun has recently caused controversy among the public because its activities are considered not in accordance with Islamic teachings. In addition, Al Zaytun Leader Panji Gumilang is suspected of committing a criminal act.